Two people in Port Douglas fined over $1K each for moving restricted ant soil

ELECTRIC ANTS

David Gardiner

Journalist

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Soil from electric ant restricted zones can’t be moved without a biosecurity permit. Picture: Supplied

In a show of how seriously state authorities take biosecurity breaches, two people have been fined more than $1000 each for illegally moving soil from an electric ant restricted zone in Port Douglas.

Two others received warnings for breaching Queensland’s biosecurity regulations.

The Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries department said the breaches involved individuals moving electric ant carriers (soil) without obtaining necessary permit, which the department said posed “a serious threat to the delicate ecosystem in the region.”

The two individuals who were fined were issued with penalty infringement notices amounting to $1006.25 each, “reflecting the seriousness of the offence and the need to deter any further violations of biosecurity protocols,” a department spokesperson said.

“Two other individuals were issued with Penalty Infringement Notices with no monetary penalty attached.

“However, these actions will be recorded in the system as compliance actions to ensure future adherence to biosecurity regulations.”

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said it was crucial to remember that everyone had a role to play in preserving the environment and safeguarding Queensland’s delicate ecosystems. 

“The National Electric Ant Eradication Program acknowledges the importance of working closely with the community to protect the unique biodiversity of the region and mitigate the risks posed by invasive species like the Electric Ant,” Mr Furner said.

“Cooperation from all residents, businesses, and visitors is essential to ensure the success of the eradication efforts.”

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